It’s no secret that the V&A is a huge fan of fashion. Having hosted a number of landmark design-led exhibitions over the years – including Fashioning Masculinities in 2022, Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto in 2023, and last year’s collaboration with supermodel Naomi Campbell – the South Kensington museum has announced today that it will continue to showcase its style credentials by transforming its Fashion Gallery into a permanent exhibit in partnership with one of Britain’s most iconic fashion brands: Burberry. 

In a bid to unite two stalwarts on the UK’s cultural scene, the multi-year partnership will see the existing V&A Fashion Gallery redeveloped and be renamed The Burberry Gallery when it reopens spring 2027. The news comes as the space prepares to close on 4 May 2025 for a head-to-toe renovation – the first since it opened in 1962 – that promises a new wide-ranging activity programme and, ultimately, greater access to fashion education for all.

Burberry chief executive officer Joshua Schulman says: “Burberry’s partnership with the V&A marks a milestone moment for British arts and culture. It unites two centuries-old cultural icons with a shared legacy of heritage and innovation, and a commitment to championing creativity.” Having joined the brand last year, this is among a flurry of moves by Schulman to ensure Burberry leans on its British heritage, having encouraged a number of in-store exhibitions, campaigns and catwalks featuring household names such as Kate Winslet, Richard E Grant and Olivia Colman. 

On reopening, The Burberry Gallery will display a world-class fashion collection spanning five centuries and featuring designs from a multitude of brands and individuals. Nodding to its legacy of supporting arts and culture at home and abroad – and having presented its latest AW25 collection at Tate Britain following the success of its SS25 catwalk at London’s National Theatre – expect to see plenty of Burberry looks from on and off the runway among the displays, as well as never-before-seen archival designs and materials. 

Director of the V&A Tristram Hunt added: “Founded in the same decade, for over 150 years the V&A and Burberry have been pillars of British fashion. This partnership allows us to share the V&A’s incredible collections in new and accessible ways and, with Burberry, support education and craftsmanship across the country. The V&A is hugely honoured to display the Burberry name above one of the very greatest fashion galleries in the world.”

If 2027 is too long to wait for your fashion fix, fear not. The V&A is also celebrating the legacy of Cartier with a new exhibition this April, and will delve into all the details of Marie Antoinette’s fashion legacy in September. Watch this space. 

The V&A’s Fashion Gallery will close on 4 May 2025 to begin a period of redevelopment and reopen in spring 2027. Visit vam.ac.uk.

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